How to Prime After Running Out of Diesel Fuel in a Ford F250

Unlike Ford Motor Company's gasoline engines, Ford diesels must go through an expanded process to prime the fuel system after the vehicle runs out of diesel fuel. You simply cannot fill the tank up and drive off after cranking the engine for a few seconds. With that in mind, it's best to avoid running out of diesel fuel. Anyone with basic automotive repair skill can prime the fuel system in a Ford diesel in about fifteen minutes.

Things You'll Need

5 gallons of diesel fuel

Diesel fuel lubricity additive

Socket set

1 quart extra diesel fuel

Fill the fuel tank with diesel fuel and diesel fuel lubricity additive. Raise the hood of the car. Open the top fuel filter housing with the socket set. Depending on the model year and engine type, the filter housing may be located in several places; however, you will most likely find it near the oil filter housing, marked accordingly.

Pour diesel fuel into the filter housing until the fuel reaches the bottom of the threaded area where the filter cap attaches.

Reinstall the filter cap, taking care not to pinch or bind the O-ring.

Close the hood and climb into the driver's seat. Leave the driver's door open.

Turn the ignition key to the "Run" position and listen for the fuel pump to start and stop. This should take about ten seconds. Turn the key to the "Off" position when you hear the pump shut off. Repeat this four more times and then start the truck.

Tips & Warnings

Motorcraft offers a lubricity additive, which is available at all Ford dealers. You can also check with your local auto parts retailer for aftermarket options, but make sure that the product you purchase clearly states that it is compatible with your Ford model, year and engine.

Do not try to start your Ford diesel before priming the fuel system. Doing so can lead to excessive battery drain and potential battery failure.